Page 140 of Champagne Nights

Paisley

“You’re smiling,” Kenny said as he walked over to my desk.

I looked up from my computer in confusion. “I smile.”

“No, you don’t, kid. I haven’t seen a real smile spread across your pretty face in a long time.”

I smiled. “See, I smile.”

“Keep doing it. It looks good on you,” he said as he walked away.

That was odd, I thought to myself. I turned my attention back to the question I started to read before Kenny interrupted me.

Dear Paisley,

I’ve been with my boyfriend for the past five years, and we’ve lived together for three. We love each other, but our sex life sucks. I’m lucky if we have sex once a month. There’s no passion and no romance. I met someone at work, and instantly, I felt an attraction to him. There’s something between us I can’t quite put my finger on, and I’m scared that I’m going to have sex with him. In fact, I know I will. Can you help me? I still love my boyfriend.

Completely Confused

Dear Completely Confused,

First of all, don’t sleep with the co-worker. You’d ultimately be inviting more trouble into your life, not to mention the awkwardness of the workplace if something happened. I would suggest talking to your boyfriend and telling him how you feel. Use what you’re feeling towards your coworker on your boyfriend and show him some passion. If he doesn’t reciprocate, then maybe he’s not the man you’re supposed to be with. But you owe it to both of you to try.

Just as I closed out the question, my phone beeped with a text message from Ben. Instantly, my day became better.

“Hi there.”

“Hi there.”

“I just wanted to make sure you were having a good day so far.”

“I am, thank you. I hope you are, too.”

“I am. The fire alarm just rang so I have to go. TTYL.”

“Bye, and be careful.”

“There’s that smile again,” Kenny smirked as he walked by.

I looked at the time, and I was done for the day, so I grabbed my purse and headed out of the building.

Chapter Eighteen

Ben

I couldn’t shake the feeling of that dream I had. Even after three days, it still invaded my mind. It was like Amy was giving me permission to pursue things with Paisley. But the one thing that stuck out in my mind was her saying that I would need to help Paisley first. I got off work a day early because I switched with one of the other guys. I would pick up his day next month. As I finished staining the fifth chair, I had an idea. I picked up my phone and called Paisley. I missed hearing her voice.

“Hello,” she answered.

“Hi, Paisley. It’s Ben.”

“Hi, Ben.”

“Would you like to go running with me tomorrow morning?”

I knew it was a shot in the dark, but I was taking my chances. There was complete silence for a few moments.

“I can’t. I have to go into the office tomorrow morning. I’m sorry. Maybe another time.”

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